Brands
Style takes flight as Shoppers Stop joins hands with Etihad
Retail rewards meet air miles in a loyalty tie-up linking fashion and flying.
MUMBAI: Shopping bags may soon double up as boarding passes. Shoppers Stop has teamed up with Etihad Airways to blend premium retail therapy with global travel rewards, in a partnership that turns style points into air miles. Under the collaboration, members of Etihad Guest will be offered First Citizen Club Platinum Aura Membership at Shoppers Stop, unlocking accelerated rewards, priority no-queue billing, extended exchange privileges, personal shopper assistance and curated benefits both in-store and online.
In the coming months, the relationship is set to deepen further. Etihad Guest members will be able to earn Etihad Guest Miles on their spends at Shoppers Stop, effectively converting everyday shopping into flight opportunities. For a retailer known for its loyalty-led growth strategy, the move marks a first-of-its-kind aviation partnership.
Shoppers Stop managing director and CEO Kavindra Mishra said the tie-up merges premium fashion with global travel aspirations, strengthening the retailer’s loyalty ecosystem. The First Citizen Club, one of India’s largest retail loyalty programmes, has long been central to Shoppers Stop’s customer strategy, and the extension of Platinum Aura status to Etihad Guest members signals a sharper focus on experiential value.
From the airline’s perspective, the alliance embeds Etihad Guest deeper into daily consumer lifestyles in India. Etihad Airways chief revenue and commercial officer Arik De described the move as a step towards rewarding members for everyday premium fashion spends while connecting them to flights to Abu Dhabi and beyond.
Etihad currently operates flights to and from 11 destinations across India, linking travellers to Abu Dhabi and onward to Europe, the US, Africa, the Middle East and Asia. As the Etihad Guest programme expands in the Indian market, partnerships such as this aim to make loyalty points less about occasional travel and more about daily living.
For Shoppers Stop, which houses over 500 premium brands across fashion, beauty, accessories, fragrances and home décor, the collaboration reflects a broader shift. Loyalty is no longer just about discounts at checkout; it is about access, aspiration and experience.
In a retail environment where differentiation increasingly hinges on ecosystems rather than aisles, this partnership ensures that the next time customers shop for a wardrobe upgrade, they might also be inching closer to a window seat.
Brands
Disney Cruise Line launches Disney Adventure as Robert Downey Jr. christens ship in Singapore
Star studded ceremony marks line’s first Southeast Asia ship
SINGAPORE: Disney Cruise Line has officially welcomed its newest and largest ship, the Disney Adventure, with a glittering, music filled christening ceremony in Singapore, marking the brand’s first ever vessel to homeport in Southeast Asia.
Held inside the ship’s grand Walt Disney Theatre, the celebration unfolded as a theatrical spectacle worthy of Broadway. Regional vocalists and musicians were joined by a 23 piece orchestra, while sweeping video projections wrapped the stage in classic Disney, Pixar and Marvel moments. Special appearances from captain Mickey Mouse and captain Minnie Mouse added a touch of nautical charm.
Among the headline performers were Jed Madela, hollywood performing arts hall of fame inductee, and Dami Im, international recording artist known for Eurovision. Together, they led a soaring tribute to Disney’s musical legacy.
On stage to mark the milestone were Josh D’Amaro, chairman of disney experiences and incoming chief executive officer of The Walt Disney Company, and Joe Schott, president of disney signature experiences.
D’Amaro described the ship as a new chapter for the company in Asia, saying it would bring Disney storytelling to audiences who may be experiencing the brand’s magic for the first time.
The ceremonial highlight came from Hollywood star Robert Downey Jr., who serves as the ship’s godparent. With characteristic flair, he declared, “You bring the theme and I’ll bring the thunder,” before delivering the traditional blessing: “I christen thee, Disney Adventure, may God bless this ship and all who sail upon her.”
The ceremony closed with a jubilant rendition of “Let’s Set Sail”, a long standing Disney Cruise Line tradition designed to stir excitement for the voyages ahead.
Drawing on more than a century of storytelling from Disney, Pixar and Marvel, the Disney Adventure promises a floating world of fantasy. Guests can wander through seven immersive themed areas, including San Fransokyo Street inspired by Big Hero 6.
On board highlights include a brand new Broadway style musical titled Remember, immersive dining, signature fireworks at sea, imaginative children’s clubs and a vibrant collection of bars and lounges for adults. Thrill seekers can also take on Ironcycle Test Run, the cruise line’s first roller coaster at sea.
The Disney Adventure is the eighth ship in the fleet and sets sail on its maiden voyage on 10 March, launching an inaugural season of three and four night itineraries. It forms part of an ambitious expansion plan that will see five more ships join the fleet by 2031.
For Disney, the magic is no longer just on stage or screen. In Singapore, it now sails.
